DAWN Daw, who was instrumental in the setting up of the Leominster Meeting Centre, has been nominated by Dr Shirley Evans in the Dementia Care category.

The Leominster Meeting centre for people affected by dementia has gone from a research project to assess the value of Meeting Centres to a successful Centre providing advice and support for those affected by dementia.

“On a daily basis, Dawn brings fresh ideas on how to provide a safe and happy environment for people to meet, form friendships and renew old skills that may have eluded them as their dementia progressed,” says Dr Evans.

“She is committed to her work with people living with dementia, ensuring that they have a voice that is heard and acted upon. She is organized, inventive, resourceful and, most important, empathic and fun.

“Dawn goes the extra mile to ensure the well-being of those she is working with. She understands their emotions and she shares her knowledge and skills with her fellow workers. She is a great team player and leader, and is an ambassador for all those living with dementia and their families. For the carers too, she has often wiped tears and provided a hug.

“Leominster Meeting Centre has continued to support members and family carers during lockdown, as Dawn has continued to make regular phone calls to members and carers giving encouragement and advice. Visits to members have now been added - to go walking, and organising things to do and talk about on our daily Zoom meetings and quizzes and recipes for our weekly newsletter. She also helps me support carers at our regular carers Zoom meeting, and has continued to visit the Meeting Centre to make sure the post and emails are answered and is now helping to make sure the Centre can open safely in August," says Dr Evans.

“My mother attended the Centre for three years and I always felt that she was treated by Dawn with the dignity and respect that she deserved,” added one Leominster Meeting Centre carer. “Dawn encourages members to fully participate in all aspects of the Centre and consequently although my Mother was in her nineties, with Dawn’s encouragement she continued to be as active as she was physically able.”

Visit www.herefordtimes.com/awards/healthandsocialcare for full details of the awards, the online awards evening on Thursday, October 22 and to nominate.